NCAA Preview: No. 8 Duke

The February issue of Lacrosse Magazine
features an extensive NCAA lacrosse preview, from Division I
through Division III, plus in-depth features on the top-ranked
Syracuse men and the snake-bitten Cal women. Lacrosse Magazine
Online (laxmagazine.com) examines the key players,
strengths, weaknesses, best- and worst-case scenarios, sleepers,
what's new, what's not and rival coaches' takes on each of the top
10-ranked teams in Division I men's and women's lacrosse.

KEY PLAYERS

A Zach Howell (Sr.)
Can Howell (51g, 19a) produce as much without Ned Crotty and Max
Quinzani as he did with them? “Like everyone else in the
world, we’re saying, well, maybe Zach scored 51 goals just
because he was playing with those two other guys,” Danowski
said. “That remains to be seen. Could be true, or maybe Zach
is one of those guys that just figures out a way.”

M Justin Turri (Jr.)
Duke’s most dynamic threat from the midfield had a breakout
performance against Virginia in the NCAA semifinals and will look
to improve on his 20 goals and 17 assists. His ability to do so
hinges on how well he can dodge long poles and spin feeds off
slides.

D Michael Manley (Sr.)
Third-team All-American (44 GBs, 17 CTs) anchors Duke defense that
needs to continue to protect sophomore goalie Dan Wigrizer and put
shooters in a position from which he can make saves.

STRENGTHS

• Depth. "Sometimes you have depth, but you're not really
talented," Danowski said. No such worries here.
• Versatility with attackmen who can play midfield, and vice
versa.

WEAKNESSES

• Vulnerability up the middle, from goalkeeping to faceoffs
to crease play.
• No go-to guy in the mold of Crotty. “We need to look
down there and see somebody,” Danowski said. “I
don’t know that we have a guy on the field that people feel
that way about…yet.”

BEST CASE

Zach Howell steps up, reassuring Duke that there’s still
some star power on attack and making opponents pay for sliding from
him.

WORST CASE

Howell does his best Hollow Man impression. Duke’s offense
becomes one-dimensional and predictable.

SLEEPER

M Dave Lawson (So.)
Lawson is one of several sophomores (goalie Dan Wigrizer and
attackman Josh Offit are among others) whose demeanors impressed
Danowski in the fall. Danowski was disheartened that Lawson, even
as a defensive middie, didn't do more to become a two-way threat in
2010. "As a team that likes to run, get up and down, it's pretty
hard not to score a goal," Danowski said. Lawson's attack has
changed. "This year he's more confident, more aggressive, more
relaxed."

RIVAL COACH'S TAKES

"There's no question Turri's going to be a pole and Howell is
going to get a pole. A lot of people have to step up outside the
ones you know. I think there are a lot of question marks, but they
have a bunch of good players."

"They lost 18-20 seniors, and I think the big thing is replacing
those two attackmen [Ned Crotty and Max Quinzani]. They had some
good experience, but I think losing those two, they're two dynamic
players and impactful in so many ways."

"They always lose players, but with the fifth-year seniors, they
lost so many. You just don't know. You figure they'll be by good
midseason and tough to beat."

"Fifth-years are gone. It's a new breed to lead."

"Look for a slow start, but they will be right there in the
end."

WHAT'S NEW?

"No stars," Danowski said, which could be a good thing. "We've
had a little bit of star power since I've been here. Ned [Crotty]
and Max [Quinzani], Matt [Danowski] and Zack [Greer]. Nobody will
be writing about any of our individuals."

WHAT'S NOT?

Uncertainty in goal. Danowski did a good job managing a
committee approach in 2010. Dan Wigrizer will likely start. But
Sean Brady, dismissed from the team due to conduct issues, is back
and ready to contend. Mike Rock also returns.